Flickr Photos

While all of us would much rather be covering practice this week as players prepare for the NFC Championship game, the offseason does offer time for reflection and review.

One of the best parts of working out of Redskins Park is digging through the filing cabinets full of miscellaneous photos, and digging back through the online archives looking for photos with a story.

Not every search yields exciting results, but every now and then a gem turns up of a memory lost in time. Don’t ask me why some of these photos were taken in the first place, but a tip of the cap to whoever decided they were worth saving in public record.

Named one of the 80 greatest Redskins of all-time, Sam Huff (pictured above) was known for his ferocious hits on the gridiron. He played 13 years in the NFL, five of which were spent in the burgundy and gold. Huff had 12 interceptions and six fumbles recoveries as a Redskin, and was eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

But what most people don’t know is that Huff was a family man off the field, and became a full-time dad and husband when he was away from the facilities.

Huff is seen in the picture with his family at their home in Flushing, N.Y. on April 10, 1964, the day he was traded from the New York Giants to the Washington Redskins. Huff wore a big smile that day, but later admitted he was seething with anger for the betrayal he was shown by the Giants.

From left to right he poses with his wife Mary, son J.D. (4), daughter Cathy (6) and son Sammy Lee (12).

Defensive back Brig Owens was a contemporary with Huff for three seasons in Washington. Owens played for the ‘Skins for 11 seasons recording 36 interceptions and 10 fumbles recoveries.

(AP Photo)

Similar to Huff, Owens enjoys some time at home as well, as he is shown (above) with his wife, Pat. Even though he was a defender, Owens was quite comfortable with the football, once recovering a fumble for a touchdown and intercepting three passes returning one for a touchdown in a 72-41 victory over the New York Giants.

Be sure to check back throughout the offseason for continued updates and highlights of Redskins past.